Overview

• Reports of kitchen swarms have continued into October, with TikTok comments and podcast chatter reflecting widespread frustration.
• Entomologist Dr Luke Tilley of the Royal Entomological Society points to warm, humid indoor spots such as drains, sinks and compost caddies as key breeding sites.
• Warm weather shortens the egg‑to‑adult cycle of Drosophila melanogaster, accelerating reproduction and driving rapid population growth indoors.
• Consumer group Which? recommends storing susceptible foods in sealed containers or the fridge, rinsing recycling, and regularly cleaning pet bowls and small‑animal cages.
• A simple trap of apple cider vinegar with a drop of washing‑up liquid is advised to capture adult flies without chemicals.